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[May 2015] - Latin America is making remarkable progress towards prohibiting all corporal punishment of children. Eight of the 19 Latin American states have now enacted legislation which protects children from corporal punishment in all settings, including the home; prohibition is actively under discussion in others. And while globally just nine per cent of children are fully protected in law from all corporal punishment in all settings, in Latin America the figure is more than five times as much (49 per cent).
This briefing, published jointly by the Global Initiative, UNICEF and Save the Children, graphically illustrates the progress made to date in the region, and sets out what needs to be done in those states that have yet to achieve law reform. Crucially, it identifies immediate opportunities for drafting and introducing prohibiting legislation.
“Our societies and legal systems do not tolerate violence as a way of interpersonal interaction or conflict resolution among adults. Children are not second-class citizens; on the contrary, they deserve special protection from their family, society and the state. States must send a clear message by urgently prohibiting all forms of violence against children, including violence disguised as discipline.” (Rosa Maria Ortiz, Rapporteur on the Rights of the Child, Inter-American Commission on Human Rights)
The briefing – in English and Spanish – is being distributed at the 6th World Congress on School Violence and Public Policies in Lima, Peru, May 2015.
A limited number of hard copies is available for advocacy purposes, email [email protected].
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